Some sound okay, others are a bit away.
1B Nick Johnson isn’t in the lineup tonight and he didn’t sound very confident that he’d be able to play any of the games in Houston this week.
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Burke Badenhop (neck strain) threw two innings in a Gulf Coast League game last night. He’ll throw four innings for Jupiter on Saturday.
Andrew Miller (right ankle sprain) threw a simulated game today. He will throw 60 pitches Sunday in a Gulf Coast League game.
Until Nick Johnson is declared ready, look for Ross Gload to start at first against right-handers. Against left-handed starters it is anyone's guess but if I were betting I would expect to see Helms to playing third and Cantu at first. We will know more today since the Astros are starting a lefty. But I don't believe Gaby fits into the plans. He should, but I don't think he will.
Badenhop appears to be closer to returning than Miller. But neither are on the verge. If all goes well for the Hopper in Jupiter, he probably will pitch in Jacksonville just to make sure. (That is a guess.) But whatever happens the boys in the GCL and High-A are eating better than normal since the Hopper and Miller have to pay for the post-game spread.